Muslim prophet Muhammad migrated from _________________ to _________________, where he ultimately integrated Muslim Arabia under a singular Islamic polity.
Explanation
Answer: E - In 622, the Muslim prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution. The event is known as the Hijra, and it marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar (much like the birth of Jesus of Nazareth was later used to mark the start of the Common Era in many Western calendars). While in Medina, Muhammad united the various tribes under a constitution, creating a single Islamic community. The Constitution of Medina also laid the foundation for the caliphate (the caliph was the head of state). Muhammad and 10,000 of his followers eventually returned to Mecca, where he gained control of the city, largely through peaceful means. By the time of his death in 632, many Arabians had converted to Islam. As a result, the united Muslim world became very formidable and dominated continental politics for the following century. (Tip: To keep the order of the two cities straight, remember that Mecca comes before Medina alphabetically.)
